Backpack ornamental attachment system

ABSTRACT

A carrying bag such as a backpack with an improved apparatus for conveniently attaching flat ornamental items such as a sew on patch is provided. The backpack has a patch flap with a first attachment apparatus and a second attachment apparatus The second attachment apparatus is typically fixed and the first attachment apparatus is detachable. The first attachment apparatus is disengaged and the patch flap can be swung into a more vertical position relative to the backpack, or completely detached. With both surfaces of the patch flap more easily accessible, a patch or ornament, such as an athletic letter, can be more easily attached to the patch flap.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/584,236 entitled “BACKPACK ORNAMENTAL ATTACHMENT SYSTEM.” filed on Nov. 10, 2017, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated therein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the general art of luggage, carrying bags and cases and more specifically to attachment of cloth patches, decals and other flat-surface ornamentation to said carrying bags and cases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A number of patches and other ornamentation are given out and awarded for a number of reasons. The Varsity Letter, for example, is often presented to students who participate in sports and the arts. The group insignia fosters a feeling of belonging to a team while also encouraging excellence. The varsity letter is normally comprised of the Initials of the high school, college or other institution. The letter is usually designed as either a single letter, double Letter or other Custom Design (such as the image of a school mascot).

Varsity letters, for example are often awarded to members of school athletic teams, such as football, track, and basketball teams. In the past, upon being awarded a varsity letter (aka, “Chenille Letter”) as well as sometimes a metal pin-through insignia that typically comes with the letter indicating the sport or activity where the letter was achieved), the recipient would affix the letter (and insignia if present) onto an article of clothing.

These team insignias are typically affixed to uniform team jackets given to teams, and known as “lettermen jackets.” In addition, team members are sometimes the recipients of other patches and similar ornamentation such as patches from regional competitions or championships, which also may be affixed to the jackets. The letterman jackets allow the team members to show school spirit, be readily identifiable and to display their team membership, personal achievements, and other awards simply by wearing this article of clothing. Because of their durability, people often save their letterman jackets, even after association with the team, as a keepsake and remembrance.

Currently though, letterman's jackets are no longer satisfactory. A look around virtually any campus, high school or college, will quickly reveal that letterman's type jackets have fallen out of fashion and are worn by students much less often than they used to be. Further, in warmer climates such as the southern US or desert areas, the heavy wool design typically makes the jackets uncomfortable to wear much of the time. With varying climates around the country, in fact, there is rarely an area where such a jacket is comfortable for wear all or even a large percentage of the time.

A simple look around most high school or college campuses show that these jackets are worn much less and the team patches and other insignia are much less in evidence. With no fashionable place to affix their letters, students often simply toss them into a drawer and do not show or wear them at all, negating the purpose of giving out the letters. This results in team and personal achievements not being celebrated, displayed, or recognized, and perhaps a decrease in inspiration among others who might be motivated by seeing achievements of others won through hard work and team spirit around a school. Further, having only a single option of letter display also limits the fundraising, of such schools and organizations in which a percentages of sales is returned to schools, particularly if sales of the one item, the letterman jacket, are falling off Due to the complexity of the specialized varsity letter manufacturing, as well as materials used, the cost of purchasing the Varsity Letter from companies today costs schools approximately $30 per varsity letter. If students are not displaying and using them, this can result in much waste of letters and funds.

One item that is nearly universal with students, carried everywhere by practically all students, are backpacks. They are commonly used to transport books, papers, electronic items, from class to class each day Even many professionals, seeking to be more mobile in their work, are using backpacks to do so. In addition, other carrying bags, such as duffel bags and gym bags, are becoming increasingly popular.

One solution is to place letters and insignia onto these carrying bags, particularly backpacks. Backpacks, rather than jackets, could, for example, be given out to teams. If the backpacks were of uniform color and design, then the players would have a uniform article capable of doing all the display functions the letterman jacket has.

However, placing patches and other ornamentation, particularly cloth patches that require sewing to attach, onto a bag can be difficult. Sewing an item on, at least without a lot of difficulty, depends upon having access to both sides of the area of attachment. With a backpack or bag, this can be challenging. An item may be placed against the surface of the pack, but to access the other side of the pack material for sewing back and forth through the backpack, a user will need to go within the backpack The area is likely to be limited, and the user may be at an awkward angle to complete the attachment. In addition, the interior of the bag will be dark, also impeding attachment. If the material of the bag is particularly think or heavy duty, as often occurs with packs and bags, moving a needle back and for through the bag or backpack may be additionally difficult. As this involves extra work, even hiring someone to add the letter (assuming the presence of a person with enough skill), could be costly.

Further, characteristics of the chenille varsity letter itself presents challenges to attaching it to items with interiors such as backpacks. The varsity letter typically ranges in size height and size width between 3″ and 9″, which can be somewhat large. Additionally, the Varsity letter being made of Chenille fabrics presents a specific challenge. The Chenille yarn of the fabric is manufactured by placing short lengths of yarn, called the “pile.” between two “core yarns” and then twisting the yarn together. Due to the complexity of the specialized varsity letter manufacturing process, as well as materials used The varsity letter, designed to last, is typically much thicker than a typical patch or insignia, ranging from about ⅛″ to about ¼″ in thickness. When attaching such letters to a jacket, the relatively large thickness of the letters is less of an issue because both sides, the display side and alternate non-display side, of the jacket are readily accessible. However, when trying to attach the letter to an item with less access to the non-display side, sewing through the thickness of the patch on the non-display side creates an additional challenge.

What is needed is a way to add a patch or similar flat ornamentation to the surface of a backpack or other bag in a way that is quick and simplified.

SUMMARY

A carrying bag such as a backpack, duffel bag, athletic bag or gym bag, or the like (herein “backpack”), with an improved apparatus for conveniently attaching flat ornamental items, such as a sew on patch, is provided.

The backpack has a patch flap, typically located on the back of the backpack opposite the straps.

The patch flap is attached to the backpack with at least two apparatus at two points: a first attachment apparatus and a second attachment apparatus. The second attachment apparatus is typically a fixed type, but can be detachable, and is designed to attach the patch flap to the backpack. The second attachment apparatus can be attached a number of ways. If the second attachment is fixed, it can be sewed along one side of the patch, affixed with adhesive, or attached other ways known in the art. If it is a detachable type attachment, the second attachment apparatus can be comprised of further materials or apparatus known in the art capable of making cloth items detachably attachable such as, e.g., a hooks and loop system, snap buttons, or a zipper.

The first detachable apparatus, like the second apparatus when it is also detachable, can be comprised of materials or apparatus known in the art capable of making cloth items detachably attachable such as, e.g., a hooks and loop system, snap buttons, or a zipper.

The first attachment apparatus, whether the second attachment apparatus is detachable or affixed, is detachable and can be comprised of materials or apparatus known in the art capable of making cloth items detachably attachable such as, e.g., a hooks and loop system, snap buttons, or a zipper. When a user wants to separate the patch flap, the user can use the first attachment apparatus.

When a user wants to attach a letter or other flat ornamentation to the backpack, the first attachment apparatus is disengaged. If the second attachment apparatus is a fixed type, the patch flap can be swung by the user into a more vertical position relative to the backpack. If the second attachment apparatus is detachable, the entire patch flap can be detached from the backpack entirely. In either event, with both surfaces of the patch flap more easily accessible, a patch or ornament, such as an athletic letter, can be more easily attached.

The location of the patch flap and by extension, the flat patch or ornament is typically placed in an approximately centralized position on the backpack for prominent display of the flat ornament or patch.

After the patch or ornament is attached, the first attachment apparatus and if applicable, the second attachment apparatus are reattached to the backpack. The patch or ornament then rests flatly against the surface of the backpack.

A possible addition to the attachment system is one or a pair of side panels attached to the patch flap and backpack. The side panels are attached to the patch flap and surface of the backpack, respectively. When the first attachment apparatus is detached and the patch flap pulled out, the side panel(s) stabilizes the patch flap at approximately vertical position, making it easier to attach the patch or ornament.

Accordingly, a backpack ornamental attachment system suitable for more easily attaching flat ornamental items such as patches and letters is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view featuring a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 displaying additional components and showing the inventive system in use.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing additional components.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing successful use of the inventive system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The following descriptions are made referring to the figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to like features throughout this description. Not all numbers appearing in one figure are necessarily present in another.

Turning first to FIG. 1, a carrying bag such as a backpack, duffel bag, athletic bag or gym bag, or the like is shown, is provided. Herein, the carrying bag shall be referred to as “backpack” 10. The bag has other components such as, e.g., straps and additional pouches, which are not labeled or numbered herein as they are not part of the inventive system. The backpack 10 has a patch flap 12, typically located on the back of the backpack 10 opposite the straps. The patch flap 12 can be comprised of any suitable material capable of being attached to the backpack 10 and accepting a flat type ornament, such as, e.g., cloth such as cotton, wool or some mixture, polyester, a nylon or other resin. The patch flap 12 can be comprised of the same or a different material than the backpack 10, and of the same or slightly lessened thickness than the material of the backpack 10 itself. The size of the patch flap 12 can be adjusted to fit the various sizes of letters and insignia to be attached. The patch flap 12 typically has a width and height of 3″ to 10″. In one preferred embodiment, the patch flap 12, designed to accommodate up to the largest letter, has a width of 9″ and a height of 10″.

The patch flap 12 is attached to the backpack 10 with at least two apparatus at two points: a first attachment apparatus (not shown in this figure) and a second attachment apparatus 18. The second attachment apparatus 18 is typically a fixed type, but can be detachable, and is designed to attach the patch flap 12 to the backpack 10. The second attachment apparatus 18 can be attached a number of ways. If the second attachment apparatus 18 is fixed, it can be sewed along one side of the patch flap 12, affixed with adhesive, or attached other ways known in the art. If it is a detachable type attachment, the second attachment apparatus 18 can be comprised of further materials or apparatus known in the art capable of making cloth items detachably attachable such as, e.g., a hooks and loop system, snap buttons, or a zipper.

The backpack 10 can be comprised of any suitable material or materials, such as, as in this embodiment, fabric, leather, wool, or resin material, or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, for example, the backpack 10 is comprised of a sturdy fabric interior and an exterior comprised of a combination of wool, leather, and fabric reminiscent of letterman jackets.

Turning to FIG. 2, a first detachable apparatus and area 16 is shown. This, like the second apparatus 18 when it is also detachable, can be further comprised of materials or apparatus known in the art capable of making cloth items detachably attachable such as, e.g., a hooks and loop system, snap buttons, or a zipper. In FIG. 1, the patch flap 12 is attached at the first and second attachment areas.

Returning to FIG. 2, The first attachment apparatus 16, whether the second attachment apparatus 18 is detachable or affixed, is detachable and can be comprised of materials or apparatus known in the art capable of making cloth items detachably attachable such as, e.g., a hooks and loop system, snap buttons, or a zipper. When a user wants to separate the patch flap 12, the user can use the first attachment apparatus 16. For example, if it is in the form of a zipper, it is unzipped. If it is hooks and loops, these are on the surface of the pack 10 and patch flap 12, respectively, and are pulled apart. The separation of the patch flap 12 is shown by a first set of arrows “A”, exposing at least a portion of the first attachment apparatus 16 to view.

When a user wants to attach a letter or other flat ornamentation 14, the first attachment apparatus 16 is disengaged, again as shown by arrow set “A.” if the second attachment apparatus 18 is a fixed type, the patch flap 12 can be swung by the user into a more vertical position relative to the backpack 10. If the second attachment apparatus 18 is detachable, the entire patch flap 12 can be detached from the backpack 10 entirely. In either event, with both surfaces of the patch flap 12 more easily accessible, a patch or ornament 14, such as an athletic letter, can be more easily attached as shown by arrow set “B.” In one example, the patch flap 12 can be pulled open from the backpack 10, and a patch or ornament 14 such as an athletic letter sewed onto the patch flap 12.

The location of the patch flap 12 and by extension, the flat patch or ornament 14 is typically placed in an approximately centralized position on the backpack for prominent display of the flat ornament or patch 14, such as a varsity letter, while the user is going about their day, such as, e.g., walking around, moving through hallways, attending events.

Turning to FIG. 3, after the patch or ornament 14 is attached, the first attachment apparatus 16 and if applicable, the second attachment apparatus 18 is reattached to the backpack 10. As shown in the Figure, the patch or ornament 14, rests flatly against the surface of the backpack 10.

The attachment system allows parents and students to affix any size and thickness of varsity letter at home, or at a local seamstress, thereby preventing the cost and time associated with sending in the varsity letter to be professionally sewn at a manufacturer.

Turning to FIG. 4, a possible addition to the attachment system is shown in the form of one or a pair of side panels attached to the patch flap 12 and backpack 10. In this figure, there are a pair of side panels, though only one side panel 20 is visible and herein will represent the pair of side panels of this embodiment. The side panel(s) 20 can be comprised of cloth, a resin material or other suitable material. The side panel(s) 20 are attached to the patch flap 12 and surface of the backpack 10, respectively. When the first attachment apparatus 16 is detached, the patch flap 12 can be pulled out, as explained previously. The side panel(s) stabilizes the patch flap 12 at approximately vertical position, making it easier to attach the patch or ornament 14.

Additionally, the side panel 20 can be pleated with at least one additional pleat of material for greater extension of the side panel 20. Further, a pleat or set of pleats (not shown) can be created at the bottom of the pocket created by the patch flap 12, between the patch flap 12 and second attachment apparatus 18 so the patch flap can extend outward from the backpack 10, to improve access at the bottom of the patch flap 20. This pleated area can be up to 1″ and in this embodiment, the pleated area extends outward ½″. Either or both of these pleated areas allow for both improved manual and/or machine access across the entire surface area of the pocket by providing room between the backpack 10 and patch flap 12 to access and sew, for either a machine or manual hand process. This is particularly useful in cases where the varsity letter size is on the larger end of the size spectrum (i.e., up to 9″ high and 9″ wide, and taking on a variety of different shapes.

Further, detachable attachment means as discussed herein and known in the art, such as, e.g., a rectangle-shaped hook and loop mechanism, can run along both the left and right side of the patch flap 12 and backpack 10 to help provide extra securing means of the patch flap 12. In an embodiment, the patch flap is 9-10″ to accommodate a maximum-sides patch. A set of 9″×1″ rectangle-shaped hook and loop mechanisms are provided on the backpack. The additional hook and loop rectangle shapes provide for additionally secure attachment with a “pull to separate” ability” when a sewer needs access.

These two additional features, the pleat or pleats and the added detachable attaching apparatus, combine to make attaching patches more convenient for the average consumer, saving time, shipping for attachment, and cost.

Turning to FIG. 5, the attached ornament or patch 14, herein in the form of an athletic letter, is shown attached to the backpack 10.

Accordingly, a backpack ornamental attachment system suitable for more easily attaching flat ornamental items such as patches and letters is provided.

In a preferred embodiment, a team may provide a set of backpacks. These packs, as those in FIGS. 1-5, can be of a varsity style letterman themed, with features such as piping or trim on a set of pockets reminiscent of jacket pockets, a player's name and graduation year embroidered, stitched, or the like into the pack, or other design features.

The backpack 10 is of sufficient size, shape and materials to enable a user to affix and showcase their school colors, team patches, and individual varsity letters, and/or achievements. This system can be used on carrying bags similar in design and function to backpacks, such as duffel bags, gym or athletic bags, or satchels.

A set of varsity bags can be pre-prepared and ordered, for example, by a team with pre-prepared colors and theme. These bags, with letters affixed, can be used to showcase the individual's school spirit while, at the same time, being usable for carrying books, supplies, etc.

The backpacks, ordered in numbers, can, like letterman jackets, help provide a uniform team appearance at events such as games, tournaments, and the like. Such backpacks and bags can be student centered, with logo's, colors, messaging that is student-centered. Bags of uniform design with improved flat ornamentation acceptance herein can be supplied.

It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, the expression of these individual embodiments is for illustrative purposes and should not be seen as a limitation upon the scope of the invention. It is to be further understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts described and shown. 

1. An ornamental attachment system for a backpack, comprised of: a backpack with straps located on the front side, a back side opposite the front side, a patch flap is located on the back of the backpack, a first attachment apparatus capable of attaching the patch flap to the backpack at a first point or area, and a second attachment apparatus capable of attaching the patch flap to the backpack at a second point or area opposite the first point or area, and wherein the first attachment apparatus detachably attaches the patch flap to the backpack, and wherein the second attachment apparatus fixedly attaches the patch flap to the backpack.
 2. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the patch flap is comprised of a different material than the backpack.
 3. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the patch flap is comprised of cloth, cotton, wool, polyester, a nylon or other resin, or any combination thereof.
 4. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the patch flap is of a thickness that is the same or slightly less than the material comprising the carrying bag.
 5. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the patch flap is of a thickness 1 mm or more less than the material comprising the carrying bag.
 6. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the second attachment apparatus is comprised of a hook and loop system, snap buttons, buttons, or a zipper.
 7. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the second attachment apparatus that fixedly attached the patch flap to the carrying bag is sewing stitches or adhesive.
 8. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the backpack is comprised of a fabric, leather, wool, resin material, or any combination thereof.
 9. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the patch flap is located at a centralized position on the back of the backpack.
 10. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 1, further comprising one or a pair of side panels wherein one side of the one or a pair of side panels is attached to the patch flap and the other side is attached to the backpack, wherein the one or a pair of side panels is capable of stabilizing the patch flap at an approximately vertical position when the patch flap is detached from the backpack at the first attachment apparatus.
 11. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the one or a pair of side panels is comprised of cloth, polyester, a nylon or other resin.
 12. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the backpack is further comprised of at least two side pockets with piping or trim at the entrance of each of the pockets.
 13. An ornamental attachment system for a carrying bag, comprised of: a carrying bag which is backpack, a duffel bag, an athletic bag, or a gym bag, a patch flap, a first attachment apparatus capable of attaching the patch flap to the carrying bag at a first point or area, and a second attachment apparatus capable of attaching the patch flap to the carrying bag at a second point or area opposite the first point or area.
 14. An ornamental attachment system for a backpack, comprised of: a backpack with straps located on the front side, a back side opposite the front side, a patch flap is located on the back of the backpack, a first attachment apparatus capable of attaching the patch flap to the backpack at a first point or area, and a second attachment apparatus capable of attaching the patch flap to the backpack at a second point or area opposite the first point or area, and wherein the first and second attachment apparatus both respectively detachably attach the patch flap to the backpack.
 15. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second attachment apparatus are comprised of a hook and loop system, snap buttons, buttons, or a zipper.
 16. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 10, wherein the one or a pair of side panels is respectively further comprised of at least one pleat of material.
 17. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the backpack is further comprised of one or more pleats of material between the patch flap and backpack.
 18. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 17, wherein the one or more pleats of material extends up to ½″ outward.
 19. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one detachable attachment means along one or both sides of the patch flap.
 20. An ornamental attachment system according to claim 19, wherein the detachable attachment means are each respectively comprised of a rectangular-shaped hook and loop rectangle-shaped hook and loop system, and the hook and loop system 3″×½″ up to 9″×1″. 